Frequently asked questions

Private certifiers cannot give authority to, or certify:

Subdivisions, Plumbing and Drainage works

For subdivision certificates the Principal Certifying Authority can only be Bega Valley Shire Council.

You need to obtain approval from Council under Section 68 of the Local Government Act if you propose to carry out any of the following works:

Plumbing and drainage works associated with a new or existing building

Connection to any new or existing building to Council's reticulated sewerage system

Installation of an on-site effluent disposal system (septic tank)

Stormwater drainage works

Additional approvals

As well as a Construction Certificate you may need to gain additional approval for other work such as connecting to Council’s water and sewerage services or building a driveway. These additional approvals under Section 68 of the Local Government Act can only be authorised by Council. Work that will require additional approval is also listed in Council’s Application Guidelines.

These include:

Plumbing and drainage works associated with a new or existing building

Connection to any new or existing building to Council's reticulated sewerage system

Payment of fees, contributions and the Long Service Levy

Go to Council’s Fees and Charges for costs involved in obtaining a Construction Certificate and other associated approvals. Please note that for construction costing $25,000 or more a Long Service Levy is also applicable and must be paid before a Construction Certificate can be issued. Fees can be paid to the Long Service Levy Payments Corporation either directly or through the Bega Valley Shire Council. This fee is charged at 0.35 per cent of the construction cost. Owner-builders and non-profit organisations may seek an exemption of up to 50 per cent. For further information on the Long Service Levy, please contact the Long Service Corporation on 13 14 41.

Notice of Commencement

Make sure Council is notified of the intended commencement of work at least two days prior to the start of any work. This can be done by completing the Notice of Commencement Form and lodging the form with Council.